Tuesday, August 31, 2010

As if 5KRae didn't thrill me enough with my first award, now another really rad Rae has blessed me with the Happy 101 award. YAY!! .... it's so tasty too! (probably tastier than Vitameatavegamin I'm sure!)

The Rules:

1. Post who gave you this award

Another awesome Rae girl! ..... Rae at Diminishing Returns. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! I am a middle name Rae, as is my mom, as is my oldest friend, as is my honorary niece, as is a co-worker, as is the future daughter I hope to someday have. I always say we Rae's stick together and are a cool type of people - this just helps to prove my point. Thanks, Rae!!

2. State 10 things you like
1) Las Vegas
2) the smell of rain
3) leaves changing colors in the Fall
4) the last minute adrenaline rush pushing me to cross the finish line
5) anything with Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel (I met her, she's Awesome!!)
6) people than genuinely make me laugh out loud
7) drag queens ... obviously there's a reason I'm a fruit fly!
8) legit, super scary haunted houses
9) everything about the Oregon Coast
10) the background music on Main Street USA in Disney parks

3. Give this award to 10 other bloggers and notify them with a comment

Sunday, August 29, 2010

You cannot even believe the amount of excitement I had when I got my first ever blogger award! I started this little blog in early 2009 and was pretty much just writing for an audience of one ... myself. And now the ever so awesome 5KRae (shout out to another Rae girl!!) has bestowed upon me an award. It is virtually place upon my mantle - if I had a mantle.

I am now the proud recipient of the Cherry on Top award! *jumps up and down with a little squeal*

The Rules:

1. Answer this question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?

2.
The second thing you have to do is, pick 6 people and give them this
award. You then have to inform the person that they have gotten this
award.

3. The third and final thing is, thank the person who gave you the award.

Answers:

1.
I always believe things happen for a reason and that it will work out the way it is supposed to. I'm sure some people would think right away that I'd go back and NOT get married on that day in 2002 (ugh, I block that whole nonsense out!!). BUT had that not happened, my life would have possibly gone in a totally different direction, which could have been better or worse. So if I am going to choose just one thing to have done differently I probably would go all the way back to grade school. I would have been a better student - especially in science. Maybe had I not been a slacker (I had great grades, but I could have been even better), well just maybe I really would have been an astronaut after all. Or maybe had I pushed harder in college I could have been a real life Clarice Starling!

3. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, 5KRae!! I really do feel so flattered that anyone at all reads my blog, let alone took out time from their day to acknowledge me with such a cute little award. You're rad!

Friday, August 27, 2010

For Day 4 of the 100 Day Challenge, not only did I not even feel tempted to sneak in a French fry, but I also got out for a nice run. It started out with just a plan to do 2 straight miles without stopping. I haven't done that in a long time because of the Meniere's and being so dizzy. Last night was different! I got out there, loosened up in the first 1/2 mile and then felt amazing! Oh it was just fabulous, I couldn't believe it!

I ended up venturing down from my neighborhood over to the river and our major park in town. The sun was starting to get lower so I turned around, went back home - running all the way up the long hill - and continued to weave through my neighborhood streets. Before I knew it I had totally passed the 2 mile mark. It was then that I decided I was going to run a full 5K and prove to myself that I can still at least do that. At 3.11 I hit the stop button on my Garmin and let out a mini squeal when I realized I was 3 minutes faster than my last race, and had just tied my racing PR from early May!

I wasn't even trying to run fast. I was just out there doing the distance in whatever time it took. Actually, I felt like I was moving at a turtle's pace and even kept repeating to myself "wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast." That's what I tell myself when I can tell I am wanting to push it faster but now I will just burn out in no time at all. Maybe next time I won't quote Shakespeare and I'll just push it!

AND - I got home to find my new Road ID (as so fashionably modeled in the photo on the right) in the mail. My mom teases me about having my own little dog tags now. I must say it did bring me a little piece of mind while I was out and about!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

I see many bloggers with their "Thankful Thursday" posts, and since I had nothing else to talk about write now, other than 1000 things I will incorporate into this post!, I figured I would show thanks!

I am thankful for Esther, our Payroll gal at work, because she is nice enough to give me money every month. That money, in turn, usually (aside from necessary life things) goes to vacations with friends.....

I am thankful for Brian, my best friend. He is always such a doll and hooks me up with discounted WDW hotel rooms and gets me into the parks every time I go to visit! Okay, I'm thankful to him for other reasons, but today my mind is mostly just on vacation!

I am thankful for Disney and their decision to let me fulfill my dream and work there in a few places around property for a few years. It helped me grow up a lot. I learned a ton. And I met awesome people - like my best friend, Brian!

I am thankful for myspace.com and its big popularity a few years ago. It led me to meet this crazy girl named Jessica.

I am thankful for Jessica and her love of all the things I love - like Silence of the Lambs, Goonies, referencing Buffalo Bill in any situation, the Grilled Cheese Grill, Dexter, Halloween, vacationing with me, yada yada yada....

I am super thankful for the Universal Studios people for finally updating the Halloween Horror Nights website and letting us see what kind of scary, crazy, adrenaline pumping fun we are in store for during this year's annual Fall pilgrimage to Orlando! Seriously, if you have the chance to go ... DO IT!! This is the 20th year, and will be my 11th year experiencing it. (Never missed a year when I lived there, and still haven't since moving home. 1997 was still the scariest though!)

And last I am thankful for all of you cool bloggers out there that post all the time and let me read what you have to say. And I am thankful for those of you that read what I have to say! I find you all to be very motivational and inspiring when I'm not feeling like putting on my running shoes. And it is great to learn that we all have these crazy things in common that some people just don't understand!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Now that I think about it, at my 2nd annual Jimmy Buffett party I was the ONLY Parrothead. How can that be? Either way we all had a great time! This year's party was smaller and low-key compared to last year, but very enjoyable. The weather was perfect, if not a touch too warm for a bit! Instead of writing about the party, I'll just share a few pictures instead.

*Disclaimer: I encouraged guests to come in tropical attire since I was doing a test run of what I plan on wearing to the Jimmy Buffett concert later this year. I don't know that I'll be in a running top at his concert, but it is what I felt like wearing on Saturday!

My little Lady was an excellent hostess

My mommy enjoying mini-prime rib sandwiches

Ashley having a blast with her first pinata

With my dear friend Kori

And Ashely (Kori's daughter) ... whom I shall now call Mini-Me

Ron and Ronda - i.e. Grandpa and his favorite grandchild!

Working on the final touches before guests arrive

Doing my best to incorporate nearly every prop I could find!

I love these glasses! Its nearly impossible to smile in them, but that's okay!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Okay - back up. So yesterday was Day 1 of the 100 Day Challenge. I am actually happy with how it went - regardless of the fries. I never said I was going cold turkey, did I? Nope!

After work I found myself in one of my worst Meniere's moments ever. I couldn't check my blind spot while driving without making the dizziness worse. I tried to grocery shop and seriously felt like I was shaking almost as bad as Kathryn Hepburn. It was bizarre. I was starting to feel disappointed and defeated. Here I was, so perky hours before, and ready to run, and now I was sitting in a bench at a store because I couldn't walk!

I forgave myself for the fries. I was so dang hungry that I didn't feel like cooking. So $4.50 later I had 2 McDonald's grilled cheese (yes, they will make 'em!) sandwiches, fries and a Coke. Oh boy was it good! My recliner and I bonded with dinner and a couple episodes of Dexter. .... That show just keeps getting better and better!

Finally, at 9 o'clock it was dark outside, the weather was cooling off and I was putting on my running attire. I didn't care how dizzy I was, I wanted to run. I can't just give up and not try, right? So I set out - and it was GREAT! A couple moments of feeling unsteady, but I just told myself to suck it up and run. And run is what I did! I chose to leave my headphones at home so I could be a little more aware of my surroundings since it was completely dark outside. I still listened to music from my pocket - how awesome is it that the iPod Nano will play without headphones?? I also chose to bring my phone in my Spi belt. Normally I don't do this, but considering how I felt earlier I figured it wouldn't hurt to be prepared just in case I did fall or something.

Not having headphones in let me hear every noise around me. When you have an active imagination like I do, and are obsessed with serial killers (obsessed? Is that the word we want here? Hm...), any noise prompted me to be sure that Buffalo Bill was once again on the prowl and following my every move. You'd think this would scare me. But no, it just amuses me and helps me keep going. So I documented the night (2.11 miles) with a photo as proof that I was out and running. And then I edited it to give it a little Buffalo Bill night vision flair!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Today I woke up feeling the best I have in nearly a month! And it is the perfect day to feel revitalized. Today starts the 100 Day Challenge over at Run, Courtney, Run! I am very excited to tackle my own set of goals during these next 100 days. So excited that I actually weighed myself. What?? I know, right?? As of right now I weigh X. Maybe at this time in 100 days I'll weigh X - Y! I don't even have a weight goal set, I just want to improve my running and try to eat better in general. I figure with that will just naturally result in a loss of X.

Okay, so for today, as I said, I started out by weighing myself in the morning. I will NOT allow myself to do this every day because then I will get overly obsessed with it.

I actually started keeping track of what I'm eating. I never do this, but figured it couldn't hurt. I know I'll feel guilty confessing to Pop-tarts, so this might motivate me to stay away!

Tonight I'm heading out for a run. I cannot wait!! This will hopefully be my best run since the last 5K race I sucked at.

AND, in other news.... I booked my hotel (with my friend's Cast Member discount) for the Princess 1/2 Marathon. My mom and I are now ready for 7 nights at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside resort. We initially wanted the French Quarter, but apparently there weren't any more rooms available, at least at the 50% off cast member rate. I submitted my time off request after lunch, and now just have to find some good flights. Ah, my running feels like it is all starting to get back on track. Perhaps my new medication to help prevent the vertigo is working!!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Courtney, over at Run, Courtney, Run has proposed this great plan of the 100 day challenge. I am loving the idea, and I am totally IN! It is a healthy challenge, and totally doable if you just put your mind to it. I do better when I have a specific goal, time frame, numbers to look at, yada yada yada.

So, my goal for the next 100 days is this (and Lord help me on the last one!):

Get some form of exercise every day, even if it is just a walk with the dog

Run at least 3 times a week, while improving my pace

Eat less French fries!!

Seriously how will I cut back on the fries?? Notice I'm not going cold turkey. Just cutting back. ;-) Okay, I don't really eat them all that often, I just love them so much when I do get a chance to have 'em!

Rumor has it Lady Gaga was in town 2 days ago. Her bus was parked at .... wait for it ....... yeah, it was parked at Wal-Mart. Supposedly she walked across the street to Red Robin for lunch. People were standing on cars and screaming and trying to chase the bus. I was un-phased.

I ran last night!! Sure, it was only 1.62 miles, but that is 1.62 more than I have done all week. I was feeling great for the first 9/10 of a mile. Then I started to swerve and get really dizzy. Unfortunately I had to cut it short and make my way home. It wasn't anything big, numbers wise, but it felt so good to at least get out and try!

I'm so over the Oregon chick - Gretchen - on Project Runway. Why is it that the one I'd feel like I'd want to root for, being an Oregonian as well, has to be the most annoying designer this season?

Allow me to hang my head in shame while I make this confession .... I absolutely love watching the Jersey Shore. I find that little Snookie girl absolutely hysterical.

This leads me to another mortifying confession. I feel if I tell the world, maybe I can accept it easier. Here it is: I'm thinking of buying a Bump-It. My Halloween costume this year is all complete except for some pink tights. I don't want to wear a wig since my hair is pretty much already what my character's hair is like. However, being that I'm not a cartoon, my hair can't possibly stay up and big - especially in Florida's humidity. And thus, I feel like that cheap little $5 Bump-It I saw might be the solution. I'm just too embarrassed to go buy it.

I am dying for Glee to be on again. I really miss it.

I'm watching season 4 of Dexter now. Oh. My. Gosh. That's all I can say. I promised my friend I wouldn't say a word about it until she got caught up. But seriously - how amazing is that show??

Tomorrow I'll be sipping on some rum in the sun, out by the river. In a coconut bra.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

My family and friends are always paranoid and worried when they hear me talk of going on runs alone - sometimes (quite often) at night when it is completely dark out. So yesterday I tried to give them a little peace of mind and ordered myself a red a Road ID... you know, just in case I fall or get hit by that camouflage car or am finally attacked by the serial killer I just KNOW is living in my neighborhood!

Well, in exchange for my order they have sent me a coupon code for $1 off to share. I know it isn't a ton, but it IS still one whole dollar! I mean you can get 6 bottles of water at the Dollar Tree for a dollar - so its not totally worthless. (I know this dollar statistic after a little jaunt to the dollar store for random things to shove in my pinata last night. Ole!)

Anyway ... if you would like to be one of the 20 people able to use the code within the next 30 days, please be my guest! The coupon code is:

I have been totally stressing. I haven't run since Saturday. I guess to some that doesn't seem like the end of the world. But for me it did. I even slept in all of my running attire last night - minus the shoes and socks - with the hopes of feeling well enough to run at 5:30 a.m. The run didn't happen.

I've been in this epic battle with myself. Do I suck it up and run dizzy in the heat - and not even do a good job at it. Or do I stay cautious and not risk killing myself during this nasty Meniere's episode I've been having. I did try to run two days. They felt so good, but not anything spectacular.

The Prefontaine 10K is officially less than a month now. I've been flipping out wondering how I can feel prepared to run basically a 6.2 mile uphill course over at the Oregon coast where there will no doubt be some major wind to deal with. This race has been my big goal. It is the one race I really wanted to succeed at. How can that be if I can't even feel stable enough on my feet to run around the block. Heck, I have been so dizzy this last week there are times I can barely speak. My stupid Meniere's induced stutter is totally getting on my nerves. Good thing I don't talk while I run!

So this morning I realized that I don't need to feel pressure. I have zero chance of winning. There is nothing to lose or gain by doing this race. The only pressure on me is what I've done to myself over the last few months. Who cares if I end up having to walk a bit during the race? Are people REALLY going to judge me? I doubt it. Doesn't everybody at one point have their bad race or have those days when running just isn't an option even if their mind wants to do it?

I guess I am feeling a sense of relief now. I just removed the pressure from myself. Now I'm just going to go there, do the best that I can, have fun and enjoy the spirit of the day ... which is all of us coming together to honor the spirit of Steve Prefontaine in his home town on his home turf. Really, I can't ask for more than that!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

It seems to be a pretty common discussion amongst runners ... to run with an iPod or not. I fully admit that I always have an iPod with me. I have done 2 runs without music, but merely used ye olde iPod as a means of tracking my run with the Nike Plus sensor. When I run the Princess 1/2 next February my plan is to not listen to music so that I may, instead, soak up all that is going on around me in my very first half marathon. With that said, all the other times I am out there running I am listening to music. It helps distract me. It helps keep my feet trying to move faster than they would really prefer. It completes me.

I have a few songs that are my must-haves for any race day play list:

Don't Stop Believing - Glee soundtrack... I position this one at the point where I think I might start getting tired and needing a little motivational boost.

Bad Romance - either Lady Gaga or the Glee soundtrack

Yeah!- Usher. Reminds me of the Hangover and Las Vegas, and I love anything relating to Las Vegas

Right Round- Flo Rida ... for the same reasons mentioned above

I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas. First heard this in the starting area of the 5K in Epcot. It became a favorite at that exact moment!

Those are the songs on EVERY play list when I run. A few honorable mentions that frequently get cycled through are:

Down Under - Men at Work .... JAZZ FLUTE!! This is a new one that might soon be bumped up to the ranks of a set spot in the rotation, but I just bought it on iTunes - it has to earn its permanency.

All that Jazz - Chicago soundtrack. I used this at my first 10K as a way to start the race so I would know I wouldn't go full steam and run out of energy before the first mile was over. (Also reminds me of my last trip to Vegas.)

Britney Spears - as much as I hate to admit it, there are quite a few of her songs that are in rotation. The beat seems to go well with my footfall.

For Your Entertainment- Adam Lambert

Just Haven't Met You Yetand Everything - Michael Buble

And then there is the song I listen to before 90% of my runs. Maybe even 95%.

Proud Mary - Tina Turner. No idea how this tradition started. I always crank it up and start out slow with her, stretching and loosening up. Then we pick up the pace and it is a full blown dance in my house. By the time the song is over I feel more than ready to run! This gets trickier at races, but I still subtly make it work!

Time to bring it on home. As a goal to keep moving when I was first starting I would lay out the number of songs I thought it would take to run a 5K. At the conclusion of that I had a song set to come on and slow me down for a nice walk home. I don't really do that anymore, but maybe I should. It did help. And that most amazing song is:

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

After months of thinking and trying to find something new that I haven't done in Walt Disney World yet, today I came up with my official birthday plan!

I wanted to rent a party boat for my friends and I to relax on - but since I couldn't find any pricing info anywhere I realized it is probably more than we would want to pay.

So now I have reservations for 4 at Cape May's character breakfast. Cape May is in Disney's Beach Club over by Epcot. The characters are dressed up and ready for the beach. That will be a fun diversion from the traditional costumes we usually see them in.

I figure the day will probably be spent at Epcot since we'll be right there. Naturally that means I'll celebrate myself over some margaritas and little bits o' food at the International Food and Wine Festival.

All are invited to my evening party! I didn't want to be boring and go to Jellyrolls. Been there, done that. Way too many times. Instead we are heading back to the Beach Club for a sinfully delicious dessert at Beaches & Cream. I already know I want the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae!

You only turn 32 once, so why not have the most childlike birthday you can come up with??

I've heard of people going to spin class. I've decided that since in my head I am constantly spinning, I don't need to take up this other hobby. But hopefully there is a bit of a resolution in sight.

Yesterday morning was unbearable. The whole Meniere's Disease thing just got to a point where I couldn't take it anymore. I gave in and called the doctor. So now I have a daily medication to take every morning to try to help prevent some of the symptoms. For the times when I DO have dizziness that is too much to handle, I have a prescription for that. As I type this I am under the influence of both. Still swaying in my desk. At least I think I am. I can't really tell for sure. I'm curious if I will start to get drowsy. We lowered the strength of the pill for when I'm already dizzy. Before it would 'cause me to sleep for almost an entire day. But with my goal to run well in my upcoming races, sleeping all day isn't an option for me.

I'm hoping this medicine will kick in and maybe I can go try to run at least a couple of miles tonight. I almost feel like I'm learning to run all over again since it feels totally foreign to run when dizzy. One concern I have is that I'm supposed to avoid the sun with this new daily medication. Guess I'll be loading up on the sunscreen and I'll have to be sure to bring it along to Florida in October, too!

Even though I'm feeling a little stressed, tired, woozy, nauseated, confused, yada yada yada, I am still optimistic. I am determined to not let this interfere too much with my daily activities. And I feel like I'm in good company. Did you know Alan Shepard, Marilyn Monroe and Kristin Chenoweth all have/had Meniere's Disease?? Now you do!

***

Another side effect? My lack of ability or time to stay caught up on all of my favorite blogs. I now have 107 waiting for me. I must get to reading!

Monday, August 16, 2010

I have a plan! I think I have amended it plenty of times since its creation back in early 2007. (3 years is quite a long time to research and ponder!) I am getting older, after all. I'm not the young thing I once was. I mean, I'm almost 32. Yikes! That's so close to 40, which is almost 50, which is... ugh. I can't continue.

So, for the sake of sticking to my plan, I will now outline it below. I mean an outline is so close to a list, and I love to make a list!

I. Ronda's Brilliant Life Plan
A. 2010
1. Make the final annual Fall visit to Walt Disney World
2. Enjoy the 20th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights
3. Keep trying to be the best runner this non-runner can be
B. 2011
1. Complete 4 1/2 marathons
a. Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon in February
b. Hippie Chick 1/2 Marathon in May
c. Disneyland 1/2 Marathon in September
d. Las Vegas Rock'n'Roll 1/2 Marathon in December
2. December 2011..... take necessary steps to begin sperm donor process
a. Pick the donor
C. Have my one child
1. Enjoy life!
2. Keep on running!
a. Maybe be the girl with the jogger stroller thing??

Granted I suppose it may change, like if some fabulous gent walked into my life ... i.e. Mark Harmon or Steve Gonsalves. But as it is I just can't ever see myself being married again. Maybe I can live like Kurt and Goldie. Maybe.

So there it is! My master plan. My family has been antsy enough waiting for my little offspring to get here. I really thought I would have resolved that by now ... but then I decided I wanted to run, run, run. And continually go on vacations. Hell, when my mom was my age I was already 12 years old. Oy! I'm totally going to be the mom with a walker at Mom's Weekend when my little baby is in college. He/she won't even believe it when stories are told of my college days and how binge drinking was the norm on every Thirsty Thursday. Or how I never missed a football game. Or how I was youthful enough to have worked outside in sticky Florida weather. Or how I actually ran in half marathons.

Okay, so maybe I'm not that old, but still. I'm behind.

So stay tuned .... in 2011 after crossing the finish line in Vegas, I will act like a grown up, become best friends with Jennifer Aniston and we will be the single, straight girls with our sperm donor babies! It could happen.

Friday, August 13, 2010

No - I wasn't drinking. But I DID manage to take my new shoes on a short first test run .... all while under the influence of stupid Meniere's and dizziness!!

I couldn't take not running. If I wait to run until I'm not feeling dizzy anymore, well who knows how long that will be. So I just started putting things on, one article at a time. First my way too cute and comfy new running skirt from the Skirt Chaser, then my new airy Nike top I picked up this weekend. It was fabulous to move the Nike sensor to an official location inside of my new shoes - and then slip my feet into those new shoes. LOVE 'em!!

My run wasn't anything all that fantastic. I only did about 1.5 miles, mostly because I was feeling dizzy and really didn't want to risk falling on my face and breaking my teeth 12 hours before I had a scheduled dentist appointment. That and I wanted to be home for Glee. Yeah, about that! I missed the memo that Glee wasn't on this week. So there I am, dripping in sweat with a bottle of water in hand... and NO GLEE??? Ah! Its a travesty is what it is!

But I'm feeling good. I got that first bit of what it is like to run when I'm not seeing all too straight - and I was fine. A couple wobbly moments, but I had no ditch next to me, so there was plenty of room to zig and zag my way through the 'hood.

Tonight I'm happy to say I AM heading out for more!

Ooh, this would be a nice time to insert a photo... say a photo of my brand spanking new shoes while they are still white! (and the socks I'm wearing are the ones I caught when they were thrown out to the crowd at the Skirt Chaser. They were comfy - but a little too warm to wear on a summer run.)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

I think I'm going to run tonight!! I'm on such a high just finally feeling like I can put on my shoes and safely go for a run without being dizzy and falling on my face and breaking my teeth. Am I the only one that worries about that? I figure a bruise or scratch, even a twisted ankle - that will all heal fine, but I don't want to end up flat on my face and ruin my teeth. So that's right - I'm totally wired, just off an adrenaline high with this anticipation of running. It is currently 86º right now. I'm hoping it drops, oh... 20, 30 degrees before I run. Hm.

Anyway, today I'm sharing my wish list that I have been creating in my head!

One of those foam roller things. Everybody has been talking about them, and it seems like they just might be quite handy and beneficial.

Those fancy leg sleeves. Again - something I've heard "pro" runners talk about and say they can't live without.

A running buddy - or circle of buddies - in my city. I honestly do not know anybody else around that I could just call and see if they wanted to go for a jaunt through town. There are places I'd like to run, but there is no way I feel safe enough to do it alone. Local running friends would be nice.

More sports bras. I'm so ashamed to post this, but I only have 2. That was fine when I was running in cold weather and not sweating as much and not able to run as far at one time. Now that it is summer - basically I always stink and I am always doing laundry.

Vegas. I want to be in Vegas. I always want to be in Vegas.

Any sort of idea for something unique to do while celebrating my 32nd birthday in Walt Disney World. I've spent so many years there, I want to do something "new" to me. I just don't know what that something is yet. Any suggestions are more than welcome!

I want to resume a good running schedule. The summer killed me. I am ready to be a steady runner and be one of those that can say "I did an easy 7 this morning" like its not biggie. Just a little warm up to start the day. I want to be that person!!

I really want my grocery store to start carrying the Morning Star Chik'n strips that they used to have. I would buy them in bulk, and now suddenly they are all gone. This saddens me.

That's all. I can't be too greedy. I mean I'm an only child and generally do get what I want, but most of that time that's 'cause I set out to get it myself.

So - if you have any input on the foam rollers, the leg sleeve things, fabulous sports bras that you love, or ideas for my birthday party, let me know - I'm all ears... ºoº !!

Okay enough quoting, because really, I could quote this movie all day! I absolutely LOVE Google's logo for today. I wish they would keep it permanently!

Okay - one little thing.... have you ever noticed that the guy in the castle that says "You killed her" to Dorothy after the whole "I'm melting" incident .... his voice sounds just like Buffalo Bill? Watch Wizard of Oz, then go watch Silence of the Lambs. When he says "Are you about a size 14?" -- totally the same voice! Who knew Ted Levine was in TWO classic movies?!?

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

In 2003 I was hit with these crazy bouts of dizziness. I first noticed it when working at Kali River Rapids. Imagine being unsteady on your feet while spending all day on a moving turntable with water surrounding you! I managed to deal with it and was quickly in a new role where I was lucky enough to sit in an air conditioned office. The dizziness didn't stop. It got worse. I finally realized I HAD to go to a doctor when I couldn't hear anything, my ear were in massive amounts of pain, and I actually had to prop my head up and hold myself steady. For the next year I would be at a different doctor's office basically every other week. Neurologist, Ear/Nose/Throat, General family doctor.... hearing tests, blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, electrodes placed all over my face for two hours worth of testing. You name it, I feel like I did it.

Before I had an official diagnosis, it was time for me to move back home to Oregon. I was done pursuing my Florida dream, and really missed family and the Pacific Northwest. I did see my doctor at home, but still have been procrastinating on letting any further testing resume. Basically every doctor I saw suspected that I have Meniere's Disease. From everything I've read about it, I would have to agree. And let me tell you IT SUCKS!!

For me, it has been dormant for the fast few months, until July came. I have been having issues with it off and on for the last month, with this week being the worst its been in probably a year. What I experience is pain in my ears and sometimes ringing - or hearing loss - a few days before a major dizzy spells hits. When I get dizzy I can't really walk without grabbing on to things. Speaking gets very difficult. I find myself stuttering and notice that I am searching for words. Its like my mind and mouth won't cooperate. Today I felt like I was on some violent carnival ride (which normally I would love!). In the past I've described it as being tipsy or slightly drunk, except not fun.

So I just deal with it. I very rarely miss work - but this week I did miss half of a day. Fortunately I sit down, so I can prop myself up and keep quiet in my corner without having any fuss or bothering people. So then, Why Pouty McPouterson??

I WANT TO RUN!!!

I bought those new shoes on Saturday, and they still haven't been properly tested. It is killing me. I feel like the longer I go without running the crankier I get. I feel like a total slob right now. All I can do easily is sleep. That's not really going to help me get ready for the Prefontaine Memorial 10K that is now just over a month away!! So I will just sit here home alone, watching random Bravo shows on TV. Maybe I will just sit here wearing my shoes and my new running skirt and just pretend I was out there running hills.

Tomorrow. The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow .... I WILL RUN!!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

I don't really pay attention to the news, so I don't know what/who they were talking about. But I did eavesdrop enough to hear this one....

"I don't know, they're like a Bonnie Jeckyll and Hyde or somethin'."

For some reason this struck me as absolutely hysterical today. Probably because the speaker had no clue that is it "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde". Ah, the small things make me giggle. Sorry - I'm so out of it today (Meniere's issues)... it is making me loopy.

I
left my home in Southern Oregon pretty early so I could stop on the way
up to buy some new running shoes. I'm so excited to take the new ones
out on the road and see how they feel!! I also picked up my cheerleader
on the way, and we hurried off to Washington - but first got a little
lost with an accidental downtown Portland detour.

Basically this was a total win for me, and a total bust at the same time.

Run
wise it was horrible. I was feeling amazing. I was on pace for a new PR
and feeling fantastic. Then, for the first time since junior high, I
was hit with the dreaded side stitch that nearly buckled me over. That
was around the half way point. Fortunately it was a really scenic
course, so I tried to distract myself with the view. In the end I had to
walk a couple of times just because of the stupid pain. Bye bye PR.
It didn't help that it was so dang humid and I have the weakest stomach
ever. I came around a final corner and was hit with the smell of Thai
and a seafood restaurant. - NOT good. Great - almost lost my lunch right then!

Coming around the corner to the 3 mile mark I saw Maryalicia (who totally smoked me at mile 2 with her stroller, by the way! ),
and she cheered me on to the finish. I pretty much always muster up
energy to run through to the end as fast as possible. This was no
exception. BUT, and I can't believe I'm admitting this and am excited
about it... after getting my timing chip removed it happened. For the
first time ever, I was the person basically dry heaving at the finish
line. Ah, its the little things that please me. That was actually a
highlight!

In
the end I finished about 3 or 4 minutes slower than I had expected, so
that wasn't too great. But the whole event was so much fun. I went home
with oodles of swag .... a running skirt, pint glass, new 3/4 sleeve
jacket, visor, beer, chips, samples of tons of things, free socks that I
caught - and then the granddaddy of 'em all, sort of. During the
awards section they had the "Getting Lucky" award. Well in my head I
thought that should totally be mine because during check in my friend
and I were giggling about my bib number. Sure enough, the award went to
bib number 1069! Woohoo - I won a $15 gift certificate just for having
1069. I can live with that!

Definitely a fun time and I will surely do it again next year if they come back to the Pacific Northwest!

Here are a few more pictures from the event!

Running along the Columbia River

Running with Maryalicia for a little bit -- until she left me in the dust! ;-)

Reenacting my finish line moment.

Jessica and I with our new socks!

Check out our beer can necklaces!

Attempting to be the SkirtChaser model. Needs work.

I forgot to mention we finished off our night at the Grilled Cheese Grill for dinner ..... soooo yummy!!!!

Friday, August 6, 2010

"Greetings Earthling Woman" ...... that's what I just heard a customer say to my co-worker. Hm.

"It only cost me 50 more dollars to get to Disney World than Florida." ...... I'm still trying to figure this one out. Was she trying to say DisneyLAND cost $50 more? Is she saying WDW is only $50 more than going to DisneyLAND? A customer who says Walt Disney World is her favorite vacation destination and really confused me. I mean I worked in WDW for 3.5 years and even I can't figure out what point she was trying to make.

Seriously, we have the best clientele!

***A follow up to my Running Buddy blog .. he bailed on me. I went out alone. And while I told myself it would be a short, slower run I lied. I ended up doing all these hills and was going at a 9.30 minute mile pace for a while. Uphill. That is NOT me at all! Apparently my adrenaline was really flowing! I cut the run short - to spare myself. Hopefully I'll have the big rush tomorrow at the SkirtChaser 5K!

***I've been listening to After All by Cher on repeat all afternoon. I might start singing it in my sleep. This has absolutely nothing to do with anything, I just felt like sharing!

***I'm getting new running shoes tomorrow!! Woohoo!!! I'm so excited. And I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control and I think I like it!

***I said "NO RUM" this week. I never said "No Mike's Hard Lemonade". The blog relating to that is soon to follow!

***I have followers!! Yay! You guys are awesome! I feel so close to being famous. Watch out Kirsten Dunst.... there's a new sheriff in town!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

I never thought this day would come. It looks like tonight, for the first time in my entire life, I'll be running with a friend! I got a message from a friend yesterday about it, so I invited him along - and tonight it will happen! I'm so nervous. What do I do? What do I say? What do I wear? How do I behave on a first double run?

Yeah - I know me, I'll be in my stinky clothes as I wear them one more time as a test before Saturday's race. (I WILL wash them before race day, I swear!) I'll have my lipstick on - as is always customary whenever going out in public. Now I just have to hope I don't pant too loudly or have any weird sort of body functioning issues.

I started this race cute and fresh - by the end I was a panting mess!

I'm sure he's expecting me to be this hard core 8 minute mile runner. Ha! I'm so far from it. My head is totally in the game and I feel legit, but my speed is just not there yet. So this could be fun or totally mortifying. I've already sent the warning message that I'm going to be stinky before it is over. Oh no, I hope I don't burp. Something about a hard run always makes me feel like I have to burp. Is it just me?? Please say it isn't!!

This could be good. Maybe it will help me improve if we have runs together on a regular basis. I will worry too much about my ego and just force myself to start going faster and longer. I just might like this after all!

What about you? Do you run with a friend? Do you run with Man's best friend? Solo? Treadmill?

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

I finally feel like a runner again. July? July? Where did you go?? Were you here 'cause I certainly don't remember our runs together after that mighty 10K we had.

Last night was a test run in Saturday's 5K racing outfit. I've decided on the new white running skirt and my new-ish bright orange OSU top. I figure this way I'll be so bright that my cheerleader, Jessica, won't have a hard time spotting me in the crowd and cheering me on! The run itself went really well! I felt like I was running faster than my Garmin told me. That would make sense though - considering the whole not-running-much-in-July's-insane-heat-wave thing. I even decided to just power through and run up the hills I used to walk up during my C25K days. That felt Great!! In the end I just ran 2 miles at the fastest pace I could maintain, then walked home the last .8 miles. I have absolutely no doubt I could have run the whole thing, but at this point I was dripping in sweat and thought it might be wise to save something for Saturday. I'm actually feeling pretty confident in Saturday's race. After doing 2 crazy 10Ks in a row, this flat 5K seems like a breeze. While I might not PR, I still feel the quality of my running will be the best I've had since the heat wave. Hopefully it isn't too pathetically slow. I don't want to have a bad race leading into my training for the Prefontaine.

And last night I went out and bought myself a cooler to throw in my trunk for race days - and road trips. Now I'll be prepared for this afternoon run with cold water on hand. I am terrible and getting hydrated, and this seems to be one I shouldn't slack on. A 5pm summer race - of course I'd sign up for something like that. I can't just pick anything normal!

Oh, one more AND. AND, I'm stopping on the way up to Washington to find my next new pair of running shoes. Yay!! I have NO idea what I'm looking for ... any advice you runners have will be welcomed!

At this point my ears were so perked and shocked, I couldn't just take my cotton balls and leave! Here were two women standing by the KY section discussing the purpose of lube. Suddenly ,standing near by, intently reading boxes of tampons (the closest thing I could grab) seemed like the only option I had!

Employee: You just gotta relax. Don't try too hard for it. Just relax and it will happen.

Honestly - I cannot make this stuff up! I'm a terrible fiction writer. Real life is my thing. Observations, experiences, conversations over-heard in the local grocery store!

(It is not important to note that after this conversation when I was leaving the store, I swear to all that is holy in the drag queen world, Celine Dion came into the store. Or her twin sister. The similarity was uncanny.)

Monday, August 2, 2010

Since I actually had a fun non-race weekend I thought I may as well blog about it and show that once in a while I DO have a social life!

Wait - now that sounds so bizarre! I'm a total social butterfly - I guess I've just been a bit of a recluse as of late. And this first story just sounds so uncharacteristic of me.....

Friday night I was slated to join some friends as they had their own "Gay Night" at the family tavern. Well, being the straight girl - yet the HUGE fruit fly that I am - I was all on board with this! I pulled out my red "I'm the Straight one" t-shirt that I made especially for "gay t-shirt day" in Disney World. Threw on some rainbow jewelry, a cute skirt, and was out the door. I wasn't familiar with this tavern, so I just drove in the general direction and figured I would see it. I did. I passed it - oops! Turned around, dammit, no open parking spots. I continued to drive around trying to figure out what to do, and that's what the annoying anxiety attack type feeling kicked in. It took me FORTY freaking minutes to get my butt into a parking spot! My friend had to actually call me and "talk me off the ledge". I felt so stupid. I was welcomed and had a great time talking with some new people and some people I've met here and there. I go everywhere all by myself, I can't believe I freaked out over this! It was a fun night. My friend's dad played the piano and sang - poor guy, I'm sure he just loved having all of us think we were the cast of Glee while we sang Don't Stop Believing as loud as we could!

Then there was Saturday night. I caught a ride with the same Friday night friends down to the casino. We had reservations for the cabaret lounge show - Gone Country. It was the 3rd year of drag shows to come to Canyonville. Who would have ever thought south Douglas County would welcome female impersonators??

This time it was different for me. The past 2 years I was a total groupie... for my darling friend Alex. (see photo to the right) Have I said how much I adore him yet?? I do! To skim over a bunch of backstage drama and old queens being jealous of the young, popular queen, let's just summarize and say Alex chose to NOT come back and instead chose to stay home and star in the longest running drag show in Vegas! Good choice! So I got dressed up, sat through this country show and missed my friend. Oh, I don't like country music, either. Forgot to mention that one. I did enjoy watching another friend of mine that is in it. He is the young, perky one - hopefully the old queens don't try to run him out, too. Good luck! Basically every single person I talked to asked where Alex was. Everybody missed him. Everybody thought the show was so much better with him in it. Atta girl!

After the show my friends and I took over the dance floor. I was shocked when they all busted out identical choreography for Womanizer! I figure since I didn't run, I did plenty of cross-training on the dance floor instead! I even had one guy try to hit on me at the bar and ask me to be his lucky charm for the poker he was playing AND a funny, little guy I was talking with asked me to dance, and I did! Wow - straight guys talking to me?? Who knew??

It was a really great night with some of the nicest, craziest people I know. I always love our trips to the "bathroom" where we cram in a stall and pass the flask. Feels like high school and sneaking away to break the rules. Of course I never did that in high school, but I imagine that's what it feels like.

OH - my subject line! Yeah, spent the whole night drunk texting with Alex's boyfriend down in Vegas. I think they are right - I really was a drag queen in a past life, and I bet I was fabulous!

(Side note - if you scroll down the side of the blog, on the right, you'll see a photo of Alex and Daniel (the blond) in all their male type glory. Love them!!) (Side note - Daniel is also MY boyfriend! Well, my honorary boyfriend, and for me that is just perfect!) ♥ ♥